Monthly Archives: August 2012

The government of Bhutan has implemented a weekly pedestrian day in the capital.

In effect as of June 5, coinciding with the World Environment Day this year, every Tuesday will be observed as a vehicle-free day in the core downtown Thimphu area. The ban applies to motorized vehicles, not to bicycles, which will be allowed on these days.

The vehicle-free day is initiated to minimize environmental impacts of motorized vehicles, reduce traffic congestion, avoid ever-rising fuel prices, and to control the major outflow of Rupee. It is also to encourage healthy living and increased exercise. Five agencies, including the National Environment Commission Secretariat, the Thimphu City Corporation, Road Safety and Transport Authority, Thimphu Traffic Division, and the Bhutan Post, are working together to implement Pedestrians’ Day in Bhutan.

The policy causes problems to a lot of parents bringing children to school, or transporting the elderly. This is one of the main concerns of the policy, by residents of Thimphu.

Workshop December: We are making good progress on the workshop for 40 young unemployed Bhutanese women between the ages of 16-24. We have received donations but we are not there yet. This workshop heralds the startup of the Vocational Training Institute, as well.

Please help us to make this workshop and the ongoing vocational training institute possible by donating (see below). We need your help!